Storage bench = coffee table

I've been looking for a new (used) coffee table to replace our wooden one because while my son was learning to walk, he fell on it a few times. They don't make padded coffee tables, so I was on the look out for a cloth storage ottoman. I found one on craigslist that was actually a bench and so it's a little taller than a table would be but it works!

It does hold storage so I plan to put some things in it, like magazines, blankets and maybe a few toys. I am so happy to have something in that space again! And it's the perfect height for my son to stand and drive his car or do puzzles.

Why I like the planet

I've tried to be kind to the earth for awhile now. I've always like recycling and I joined an environmental group when I was in high school. I grew up reusing things and being practical with possessions for the most part. I've been somewhat of a pack rat though (nice word for hoarder) but every year it's getting easier to get rid of things.
I have a hard time understanding why others don't constantly think of the environment like I do. Of course, I'm not perfect and I still buy and throw away a lot of waste, but I'd like to think it's pretty minimal compared to others. I became a lot more conscious about all this after I had my son. Sure, the earth is massive and there's a vast amount of space that probably won't be used up in his lifetime. But what about future generations of my family? Should I never think about them and what they will have left in a hundred years?
I've got a long way to go before I become a crazy tree hugger - but my husband might tell you differently. It's a hobby of mine I guess. I have to keep coming up with creative ways to reuse things, or new recipes to use instead of buying processed foods, I have to spend more time searching for used things and resist the temptation to buy new things in the mean time. It gets hard, I admit.
But, because it's a challenge, it can be rewarding as well. Not only do I save money by buying used things, avoiding chemical cleaners and some processed foods, it's a lot healthier for me and my family. I do have the advantage of being a stay at home mom now and thus a little more time to spend on this endeavor and for that I do feel blessed. But, I have to say, it's become a lifestyle for me and I don't even think twice about some things anymore. It took a little while, but now I always remember my reusable bags when I go shopping and I always throw the food straps in the bin under the sink. Now if I could just cut down on my computer use!

Rough few weeks

My son has been sick for two weeks now with a bad cold. He's been sick before, but this time is worse. I'm glad we got through a year without any serious illnesses though! It's definitely no picnic with a sick child in your care 24/7 as I've just learned! But otherwise he's doing great. He's learning a new sign every couple of days and starting to imitate the words we say, too. He loves to dance and pull our dogs tail - luckily Lenny lets him do it!

It's March now and that means winter is almost over! I've already started a bit of spring cleaning. I'm trying to get some of it out of the way so when spring is actually here, we can be outside instead! I'm sure C will want to be outside and he'll probably be able to run by then. I'm kind of anxious to start the garden and work on the yard.

What I'm into right now: being environmentally friendly, repurposing objects, decorating (or just fantasizing about decorating...), couponing and saving money. I'm trying to go with a theme for this blog, and I haven't made a definite decision yet, but it will probably be one of those things. Sorry my posts will be a little scattered until then.

My new blog

Let's try this one more time. I want to get back into blogging...but I guess I shouldn't promise anything yet. I think I just need to figure out a focus, but that might take me a little while. We'll see what I come up with.

Of course there's always my son to write about. He's 13 months now and becoming more interactive every day. He can say a handful of words and he signs about 12 words, maybe more. I love signing with him - it's one of my favorite things to teach him. He is obsessed with cars and trucks - and I swear all I did was let him play with on toy truck. I don't know why, but it's funny to me that he loves vehicles at such an early age! Oh, he loves to dance, this boy has moves!

We go to a mom's group every other week and we are going to Kindermusik class every week. It's been great to get out of the house this winter, but I think I still love lazy days at home. I love being a stay at home mom - it was hard to get used to at first, even being the homebody that I am. But now I have a loose routine and I'm getting more confident with my cooking skills. I love finding ways to save money and I recently started clipping coupons and I do other "crazy" energy saving things, too. Maybe I'll make some posts about those.


Anyway, I don't want to make this too long, so I'll just leave you with this: my favorite blog. It's kind of been my inspiration.